One of poker’s most beloved international festivals is finally making its return.
After a six-year break, the Aussie Millions is back on the calendar, running from April 24 to May 10, 2026, at Crown Melbourne. With 18 events and an estimated AUD$14 million (around USD$9M) in total prize pools, this long-awaited comeback is already generating serious buzz from pros and fans alike.
Headlining the series, of course, is the AUD$10,600 (USD$6,900) Main Event, a tournament that has helped shape poker history and crowned some of the game’s most iconic champions.
From Humble Beginnings to Poker Royalty
The Aussie Millions launched in 1998 with just 74 players and a modest AUD$74,000 prize pool. But by the mid-2000s, it had evolved into one of the world’s top-tier poker stops—combining Aussie hospitality, world-class structures, and a beach-season poker getaway.
Legends like Gus Hansen (2007), Toby Lewis (2018), Ari Engel (2016), and Bryn Kenney (2019) have all lifted the trophy. Hansen’s run was so memorable that he turned it into his famous book Every Hand Revealed. It also gave us one of the most infamous poker hands in history when Mikel Habb slowrolled Sam Abernathy during the 2016 Aussie Millions Main Event.
Meanwhile, the high roller scene exploded thanks to Phil Ivey, who dominated the AUD$250K Challenge like it was his private playground. For a while, Aussie Millions was an annual pilgrimage. January in Melbourne became a perfect combo of elite poker and summer vibes.
Why it Disappeared — and Why it’s Back Now
The last time the Aussie Millions ran was in 2020, when Vincent “Wonky” Wan took down the Main Event. Then came COVID-19, a changing Crown ownership structure, and a mountain of legal troubles stemming from the Bergin Inquiry into casino misconduct.
With poker operations on pause and new government regulations in place, many thought the Aussie Millions might be gone for good.
But with Crown Melbourne under new ownership (Blackstone Group) and poker officially returning to the property in 2024, whispers of a comeback started swirling. Now it’s official: the Aussie Millions is back, and Crown is ready to reclaim its role as a major player in global tournament poker.
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What to Expect in 2026
Buy-ins range from AUD$1,500 to AUD$25,000, catering to everyone from satellite qualifiers to seasoned high rollers. The Main Event remains the crown jewel, while the full schedule promises a mix of formats and stakes.
Whether you’re a casual grinder, a serious circuit player, or just looking to experience one of poker’s most iconic festivals, this is the kind of comeback that demands a spot on your calendar.
A look back at main event champions
Here’s a quick glance at just some of the legends who’ve claimed Aussie Millions Main Event titles over the years:
- Gus Hansen (2007) – AUD$1.5M
- Alexander Kostritsyn (2008) – AUD$1.65M
- Stewart Scott (2009) – AUD$2M
- Tyron Krost (2010) – AUD$2M
- Ari Engel (2016) – AUD$1.6M
- Toby Lewis (2018) – AUD$1.45M
- Bryn Kenney (2019) – AUD$1.27M
- Vincent Wan (2020) – AUD$1.318M
With a legacy like this and a fresh chapter about to be written, 2026 might just be the most anticipated edition yet.
